NHA Mulls Setting Up Practo-Like Platforms 'Know Your Doctor' & 'Know Your Health Facility' as part of ABDM

As unveiled through an expression of interest made public on August 28, 2023, this initiative intends to utilise the ABDM database to offer valuable healthcare information to the public.

The National Health Authority (NHA) is planning to launch 'Know Your Doctor' and 'Know Your Health Facility' platforms, akin to the model of Practo, as part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).'

This initiative, as revealed through a expression of interest released-on August 28, 2023, aims to leverage the ABDM database to provide the public with valuable healthcare information.

Under the ABDM, the NHA has rolled out four key registries:

Patient Registry via Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)'¯

This registry assigns unique IDs to every registered individual within the ABDM system, including healthcare providers.

Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR)'¯

Replacing the existing doctors' registry, this registry identifies and verifies all healthcare professionals operating within India's healthcare system.

Health Facility Registry (HFR)'¯

This registry allows individuals to identify and verify health facilities by providing details such as contact person information, facility specifics, types of services offered, ownership type, and more.

Drug Registry'¯

This registry, currently in development, will offer additional information as per government documents.

Introduction of New Search Engines

The 'Know Your Doctor' and similar systems within ABDM will enable users to:

- Search for and locate doctors and healthcare facilities

- Verify the registration status of doctors and health facilities

- Facilitate digital verification and authentication through e-KYC and verifiable credentials.

- Access other services built on the underlying registry infrastructure, fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in healthcare.

These search engines will provide text and graphical search capabilities based on various parameters, including demographics, specialisation, drug availability, location, accreditation status (such as NABL/NABH accreditation), and empanelment status (such as PMJAY/CGHS empanelment).'¯

Importantly, data in the respective registries will be shared with the consent of the data owner through relevant APIs.

The introduction of government-powered one-stop services such as 'Know Your Doctor/Health Facility' is expected to have a significant impact on existing health apps such as Practo and 1Mg, which rely heavily on their supplier databases.'¯

As healthcare providers and facilities are increasingly compelled to register with the government under ABDM and related projects including microsites, a vast medical database is being created. This development will likely disrupt the functioning of these apps' supplier databases.'¯

Users are expected to gravitate towards platforms that offer a broader choice of healthcare options, as facilitated by these government initiatives.

By leveraging the power of comprehensive databases and advanced search engines, individuals will gain access to vital information about healthcare providers and facilities.'¯

This initiative will not only enhance transparency and trust but also foster innovation and streamlining within the healthcare sector.